"We don’t know"— The Summit star Amy reflects on the uncertainty of the journey to the mountaintop

With only five days left before the players reach the peak, the pressure builds up in The Summit. Throughout episode 7, strategic decisions, personal dynamics, and shifting alliances come into play, testing the remaining players’ resolve.

As the end approaches, Amy captures the uncertainty of the journey with her reflection,

“We don’t know how the game’s going to end, who’s going to get to the summit.”

This sense of unpredictability drives the players to reassess their strategies as they near the final phase of their ascent.

Hosted by Manu Bennett, The Summit follows a group of contestants trekking through the New Zealand Alps to reach the peak within 14 days. Carrying a shared prize of $1 million in their backpacks, they must overcome brutal physical challenges and difficult moral decisions. The game forces participants to decide who can help them reach The Summit, both physically and strategically.

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The Summit: Key moments and strategy shifts

In episode 7, Manu reminds the players of the question that has defined their journey, “Who is going to help you get to The Summit?” Initially, this meant choosing strong, physically capable players.

However, as the game progresses, the definition of “help” becomes more nuanced. Contestants like Jennye and Pati were previously voted out for being perceived as weaker, but they hadn’t caused any failures in reaching checkpoints. This has led players to rethink their alliances, weighing personal trust and strategic benefit equally.

One standout player, Therron, articulates the dilemma well:

“Who do I want to be next to that I would feel comfortable splitting the money with, or at least having a better shot at getting the money with?”

This shift in focus from pure physical strength to strategic alliance-building defines the game's later stages.

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Conflict and alliances

Tensions rise between Amy and Nick, with Amy seeing Nick as a potential threat to her game. Nick, however, seizes the moment, stating,

“It was perfect, because I needed a reason to turn the target on Amy.”

Aware of her vulnerable position, Amy seeks an alliance with Jeannie. Both players are anxious about their standing in the game, particularly as Amy eyes Dennis as a primary target.

While many see Dennis as a strategic threat, others in the group use him as a shield to deflect attention from themselves. Dennis, confident in his ability to evade elimination, even refers to himself as the “Korean cockroach,” proud of his skill in escaping tight situations.

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Physical challenges and emotional reflections

The players face a series of physical trials, including icy lakes and a zipline challenge, all while battling harsh conditions. In one memorable moment, Amy falls during the gravity line challenge when the rope snaps. She is given a second chance to redo the challenge, and then she completes it.

Meanwhile, Dusty reflects on his personal journey, recounting a story from his childhood that illustrates the impact of toxic masculinity. His emotional vulnerability in sharing this story gave the audience a deeper insight into his motivations as a contestant.

As the group paddles across the lake, alliances continue to shift. Beckylee, while wary of Dennis, expresses concern over Amy’s social strength, seeing her as a significant strategic threat. These shifting dynamics emerge as the group must decide who to nominate for elimination.

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Dennis’s elimination

Despite Dennis’s confidence, his alliance turns on him, and he is blindsided by the vote. In his final moments, Dennis accepts his fate with grace, acknowledging the dirty nature of the game and making one last reference to his cockroach metaphor, lamenting,

“I was stomped before I could spread my wings and fly.”

Dennis's elimination marks a turning point in the game, as it signals the show's unpredictability. With The Summit in sight, the remaining players will navigate a strategic alliance for personal survival.

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New episodes of The Summit air on CBS on Wednesday nights from 9:30 pm ET/PT.